Lisa Callahan’s journey reflects the passion and perseverance behind every woman striving to live with purpose. From her early days in the corporate diet industry to founding her own coaching practice, Transformation for Real, Lisa has spent over two decades guiding women to embrace confidence, build boundaries, and reclaim their worth. Her mission expanded with The Things We Know podcast, retreats, and advocacy work that inspires women of all ages to know—the best is never behind them. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Lisa as part of our global platform that celebrates changemakers creating a ripple effect. With a 5 million-strong community believing in “He for She” and “She for She,” Lisa’s story uplifts those ready to empower themselves and others.
You’ve been coaching for over two decades. How did your journey begin, and what led to Transformation for Real?
It’s been almost 21 years! I started coaching in the diet industry, helping men and women build healthy relationships with food. About eight years ago, my family moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, and that shift made me realize I wanted to do this work on my terms—not just with food, but with life, business, and confidence overall. In 2017, I launched Transformation for Real, coaching women to overcome limiting beliefs and truly feel visible, worthy, and empowered.
What made you focus primarily on coaching women?
Truthfully, I’m tired of watching men run everything. If women were in more positions of power, I believe the world would look very different—more collaborative, less chaotic. My mission is to help women break free from the beliefs that hold them back and show them they deserve everything they dream of.
Tell us more about your podcast and retreats. How do they support women?
In 2023, my co-host Carrie Morin and I launched The Things We Know, now in the top 10% of podcasts globally. Our goal is simple: remind women the best is never behind them. No matter your age or stage of life, there’s always more to reach for—more growth, more impact. We also run small, intimate Best After Yet retreats, helping women break down barriers, build boundaries, and heal in community. I believe without a doubt—women heal in community.
What types of coaching do you currently offer?
Right now, I focus on one-on-one coaching and six-month programs where Carrie and I coach women together. I’ve done group coaching before and would love to bring that back when time allows. We also have resources through the podcast, the retreats, and free tools on my website—like 10 ways to feel empowered and build your confidence.
With so many platforms and projects, do you have a team supporting you?
It’s really just Carrie and me for now! We’ve divided it naturally—she’s an incredible writer, so she handles most of that, while I love social media, so I manage those pieces. We’re definitely reaching the point where we’ll need a team, but for now, it’s the two of us pushing forward.
What aspirations or goals do you have for the next few years?
I see myself—and Carrie—on stages, speaking to larger audiences and impacting more lives. Everything I do is about making women feel seen, heard, and supported. The podcast shows us you don’t need to be famous to create that space. We’re just two women talking, but it resonates because we keep it real. I’d love to expand that reach even further.
What gets you up in the morning? What drives your purpose?
It’s knowing that even if I never hear from them, someone is impacted by my work. Someone is waiting for me to show up, to know I exist, to receive the help I can offer. If I stay quiet, they continue to struggle. That awareness keeps me going—even when joy feels distant, purpose drives me. The joy follows.
What challenges do you face in your work and life?
Honestly, it’s feeling stretched in five directions—family, business, advocacy, and what’s happening in Los Angeles and America right now. All of it matters, and I don’t want to stop any of it. It’s not necessarily a lack of time or energy—it’s the mental pull in so many directions. And yes, probably needing a team is part of that challenge too.
What motivational message would you like to share with our readers?
Two of my favorite quotes guide me daily. First, “If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Your beliefs shape your reality. And second, from Abraham Lincoln: “The best way to predict your future is to choose it.” We can’t sit back and hope life improves—we have to be intentional every single day, for ourselves and for the women coming after us.
“Somebody is waiting for you—waiting to know you exist and waiting for your help,” says Lisa Callahan, a powerful reminder that showing up as your authentic self can create ripples of change for generations to come.
Connect with Lisa Callahan:
Website: transformationforreal.com
Instagram: @lisacallahancoach
Podcast: The Things We Know
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
